Looking Back

Thursday

Jan 3, 2013 at 12:08 AM

LOOKING BACK

DEC. 31, 1838

The legislature incorporated Springfield on this date.

DECEMBER 3L, 1851

The U.S. Post Office established a post office at Guyton.

Jan. 2, 1779

The town of Ebenezer was captured on this date during the Revolutionary War by British Col. Archibald Campbell. Ebenezer was occupied by the British until early in 1782. During this period, Jerusalem Church was used as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, and later as a stable for cavalry horses. Ebenezer became a thoroughfare for British troops passing from Augusta to Savannah. By July 1782, Ebenezer was once more in the hands of the Continentals and served as the headquarters of Gen. Anthony Wayne. The Georgia legislature assembled there that year, and Ebenezer became for a short time the capital of Georgia.

JAN. 2, 1990

Effingham County commissioners voted unanimously on this day to spend a projected $1 million to replace the 54-year-old jail. Sheriff Van Findley told commissioners space for at least 36 inmates is needed in the new jail. On Oct. 26, 1989, inmates filed a federal lawsuit in which they complained of overcrowding and poor conditions.